Past Events

Book Read

The Embracing Community Book Read began with a July 2024 book talk with Peter Block, author of "Community: The Structure of Belonging." Participants were then invited to read Block's book, followed by volunteer-led small group discussions in October. The Book Read closed with a final Inclusive Community Conversation at the 95th Street Library.

In "Community: The Structure of Belonging," Block describes how in a true community every person is a citizen, relationships are essential, and focusing on what is possible is transformative. Takeaways from Book Read discussions will shape future Embracing Community initiatives in the city.

Peter Block Book Read Kick-Off Event

Human Library®

This event hosted in partnership by the City, the Naperville Public Library and Naper Pride featured people with diverse life experiences serving as human books to be “checked out” for conversation. Created by a Denmark-based nonprofit, the Human Library® concept is to create a safe platform for personal conversations that can help to challenge prejudice and discrimination, prevent conflicts, and contribute to greater cohesion across social, religious and ethnic divisions.

Five people sit on the edges of their seats, listening attentively to a speaker with long brown braided hair at the Human Library program.

Participants listen to the experiences of a Human Library speaker at the April 2024 event. Photo by Geneace Williams.

Coming Together to Lead Well: A Community Conversation

The City of Naperville and North Central College co-hosted “Coming Together to Lead Well: A Community Conversation” in honor of Women's History Month, on March 23, 2024, in the Madden Theatre on the North Central College campus. During the event, a panel of distinguished women shared their experiences, followed by an empowering, interactive dialogue with the assembled audience of campus and community members.

Video of "Coming Together to Lead Well" is available courtesy of Naperville Community Television, Channel 17.

Women's History Month panelist Joohi Tahir speaks at the March 23, 2023, event.

Women's History Month panelists, from left, Nicole Lawton, Joohi Tahir (speaking) and Anita Knotts. Photo by Mark Black.

The Power of a generation

The third event in the Embrace Naperville series, "The Power of a Generation: Community Coming Together," took place on Oct. 25, 2023. The event gave students voice to share their experiences and offer ideas to advance our mission of creating an inclusive community that values diversity.

Panelists at the "Power of a Generation" event

Panelists share their experiences at the "Power of a Generation" event. Photo Courtesy of NCTV17.

The Power of Connection

The second Embrace Naperville event — "The Power of Connection: AAPI Voices & Community" — took place on May 13, 2023. Video of the "Power of Connection" keynote address is available courtesy of Naperville Community Television, Channel 17.

Panelists at the May 2023 'Power of Connection' event.

Panelists Supna Jain, Durriya Gunja, Will Wong, Dr. Tracy P. Leung, Jacob Kadolph and Melvin Kim share their experiences. Photo Courtesy of Futang Wang, Chinese American Women in Action.

The Power of Inclusion

The first Embrace Naperville event — "The Power of Inclusion" — took place on Nov. 10, 2022. Video of the "Power of Inclusion" panel is available courtesy of Naperville Community Television, Channel 17.

Participants create a paper chain symbolizing inclusion and connection.